Does anyone know the distance to Mt Ouray from Monarch Pass along the Continental Divide? How about some road conditions along Marshall Pass Rd from the east to Grays Creek TH? Will be heading up there in mid July. Has anyone ever climbed directly up the bowl to the summit, it looks interesting, some of those shoots on the left side look doable.

Beau, the Marshall Pass road is passenger car friendly if you go slow (potholes and washboard). I gotta believe that bowl is full of loose stuff and not a lot of fun to climb. The east ridge route is supposed to go thru a cool bristlecone forest. There's a cool cabin near the top of Marshall Pass that you can stay in (first come-first serve).

I cannot comment on the length from Monarch Pass to Mt. Ouray; however I went up to Marshall Pass from highway 285 on May 20th and it was dry as a bone. I took the ridge up from Marshall Pass which was a fun hike/climb, but not sure about the doability of a bowl directly..

Thks Ricky, I think the Grays Creek TH is looking like the place to go, but I will make some decisions once I get to the Devil's Armchair. I was thinking that too, maybe a rib or two can get me up there to avoid the fun stuff. Hopefully someone has some info on the ridge run from Monarch Pass.

Good to know the road is passable and dry Anasarca76, thks for that info!

Once tried this route many years ago with high hopes but started too late to get very far. Sidestepped Monarch Crest and only got to Pahlone Peak before turning back. I would like to know if anyone has attempted this because it would be a dandy hike for a trip report.

Otherwise, rijaca's suggestions about Marshall Pass look good from here. Have fun.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content - Paul the Apostle. Good day.

Grey's Creek Trail is more defined late in the season. It may have some tree downfall after the microbursts that hit the valley last nov.The white rib in the bowl looks interesting. I have Used Grays Creek Th into the bristlecone bowl, up the NE ridge and down the SE ridge for Tour de Ouray!It would be a good way to scout the ribs to climb in the bowl..

people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel...

Just some beta on the Gray's Creek trail as I hiked it a couple weeks ago . . . there is quite a bit of downfall but nothing that will slow you down very much. Trail is easy to follow all the way to the bristlecone forest. Made it to the trailhead in my civic without an issue, road got a little rougher after that (I only went about a half mile past) but still passable. The small parking area for the trailhead is shortly before a small (easy to miss) sign that says Gray's Creek.

Monarch Pass to the Little Cochetopa Creek Trail turn off is 7.8 miles, from that point I am not sure what the milage to the top of Mount Ouray would be but it's under 2 miles.

Follow the Continental divide trail until it joins the Colorado Trail at mile 5.

IMG_0079.JPG (164.1 KiB) Viewed 385 times

View of UN 13,472, Chipeta Mountain (12,850') and Mount Ouray.

IMG_0084.JPG (113.33 KiB) Viewed 385 times

Turn right at this intersection. (The Green Creek Shelter is just east of here. It is first come, first serve but would be a good place to set up base camp if you're planning on spending a few days there. Water is 0.3 miles away along the Green Creek Trail)

IMG_0087.JPG (179.78 KiB) Viewed 385 times

See next post for more pictures...

Last edited by dehrlich101 on Sat Jun 30, 2012 3:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I am glad I shall never be young without wild country to be young in - Aldo Leopold

Thanks Daniel, I have been thinking of riding my bike from Monarch Pass to Ouray as one of many options. I could see the tire tracks in some of the pictures. Hopefully that day will be a clear day for a long ridge run like this. I have estimated it may be around 9 miles one way. I was thinking of getting #139, I'll have to get it on your recommendation! I guess the elevation gain/loss on the ridge would be good to know?

boudreaux wrote:Thanks Daniel, I have been thinking of riding my bike from Monarch Pass to Ouray as one of many options. I could see the tire tracks in some of the pictures. Hopefully that day will be a clear day for a long ridge run like this. I have estimated it may be around 9 miles one way. I was thinking of getting #139, I'll have to get it on your recommendation! I guess the elevation gain/loss on the ridge would be good to know?

Sorry I cannot help you on the elevation gain/loss on the whole ridge.. The Little Cochetopa Trail intersection is at 11814', from there the gain would be 2157' to Mount Ouray maybe a little bit more if there is some ups and downs. Biking to this trailhead would be an excellent idea.

I am glad I shall never be young without wild country to be young in - Aldo Leopold